I am a fairly experienced boater but am new to this forum and "ribbing". Be gentle (0:

I have been offered the RIB in the photograph for £2,500. Details are:-

RIB is of unknown manufacturer, the boat does appear well built (ie solid). It was built locally (Lymington) on a commercial hull. It has been retubed at some time in the past. Nevertheless it is leaking from the starboard stern tube, the other 3 tubes appear OK. Leaking tube looses pressure overnight.

Engine is a Honda 50HP 4 stroke. It has a full service history and low hours. The top bracket, which carries the steering arm, is badly rusted and pitted. Looking at other Hondas this appears to be a common problem with these engines. I am assuming this is easily sorted, remove, repaint or replace.

Also included is a Yamaha 5hp auxiliary, DSC VHF, and a GPS plotter (not sure of make - not seen them yet).

Trailer is a Brenderup unbraked in good order.

Everything is about 10 years old. Has been stored for past 4 years under cover. During its life it will have been lightly used. Seller is first and sole owner and is a friend who I trust so no worries there. This is good, but it also means that once the deal is done there will be no redress.

Looking at adverts elsewhere this looks very good value for money, do you, with more experience than me, agree?

pictures of the hull from bow & stern would be useful to get an idea of the "V". Gut reaction says it's a good £2.5ks worth to get you on the water. Make sure you have a sea trial, you need to give the engine a good workout before parting with your cash.

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After a quick glance at the pictures, it looks like a shallow v hull although more pictures would help. The sponson cone ends extend quite a bit back, which is unusual and will make getting on the plane harder I'd have thought - depending on how many people are on board. There's plenty seating with the three jockeys, and is that a bench seat at the very back? The Honda 50hp is probably a little underpowered for the length of the rib, but will be adequate. I'd check out the sacrificial zinc anodes (regards corrosion) on it to see if they're still there?

What kind of things do you want to do with the boat, specific use, number of people on board, area you'll be launch from, etc.

I want to use mainly for fishing/run about. Main launch will be Lymington into the Solent. Pottering across to IoW and Newtown Creek etc. A mate has a dory with a 40 on so we intend to make a little flotilla and mess around. I suppose, in short, I just want to get on the water again.

Skiing and doughnuts are not intended but maybe later. Will be happy if it does 20 knots with 2 up.

I did have thoughts of putting a second 50 to match the existing one. Thought I may be able to get one for about £2k - am I dreaming? I have installed second engine before so am aware of the pitfalls (or some of them!).

Interesting to see you initial thoughts. When I first heard his price I thought Bl^%dy He!! that's a bargain, perhaps not as a big a bargain as I first thought?